UFC Brasilia might become the first UFC event affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
With 52 confirmed cases of the virus in Brazil—two of them in the capital of Brasilia—Ibaneis Rocha, the governor of Federal District, released a decree calling off all sporting events or concerts that host more than 100 people in the following five days, effective this Wednesday.
Per MMA Fighting, Arena BSB, the venue where UFC Brasilia is to be hosted, released a statement in which they reveal their compliance to Rocha’s decree. You can read the entire statement below:
“Arena BSB informs that became aware of a decree from the Government of the Federal District that restricts public access to sporting and cultural events, and awaits specific positioning regarding the events scheduled for this Saturday: UFC and [a soccer match]. It also clarifies that it will follow all official regulations in order to collaborate with the maintenance of public health.”
Still according to MMA Fighting, UFC officials who asked to remain anonymous claimed to be aware of the decree, but do not know how the event will be affect by it just yet and are trying to sort the situation out with the government.
Several MMA promotions, including KSW, ARES FC, ONE Championship, and Combate Americas have all either cancelled events outright or at least announced plans to hold events behind closed doors. The UFC has not announced any plans as of yet, although with governments around the world prohibiting large gatherings (sporting events included), they may not have much of a choice.
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